Recyclers call for gas bottle regulation

The recycling industry is calling for tougher regulation on gas bottle producers after a metal recycler was fined over an exploding bottle.

The Australian Council of Recyclers (ACOR) says the NSW government should introduce an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme to ensure producers are responsible for disposing of waste.

ACOR President, John Lawson said metal recyclers are regularly dealing with explosive gas bottles, which have the potential to cause severe burns, environmental issues and extensive damage to equipment.

A recent court case saw metal recycler, Sell and Parker prosecuted by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) over an explosion most likely caused by a gas bottle illegally deposited at its facility.

Lawson said this ruling was made despite acknowledgement that the company had taken significant measures to reduce the likelihood of an explosion.

"Thankfully, no-one was hurt in this incident, but not having an EPR scheme to safely dispose of gas bottles and LPG tanks is an accident waiting to happen," Lawson said.

"The lack of an EPR scheme is impacting adversely on metal recyclers who should be supported by the DEC rather than prosecuted."

EPR schemes are already being developed for the disposal of computers, TVs and mobile phones, and metal recyclers are supporting the introduction of a similar scheme for gas bottles.